Who is eligible to participate in DECA at the high school level?

Participation in DECA at the high school level is open primarily to students who are currently enrolled in marketing and business courses. This focuses the organization's resources and activities on those who are actively engaging with relevant content, enabling them to apply their learning in real-world scenarios.

While it's true that DECA values inclusive participation and allows for a range of student engagement, the core mission emphasizes the development of skills and knowledge related to business and marketing. Students already enrolled in these courses are well-prepared to benefit from the organization’s competitive events and leadership opportunities, which are often centered on applying business concepts and practices.

This structure supports DECA's goal of enhancing the educational experience for those specifically studying business-related subjects, whereas options indicating prior experience, broader eligibility without regard to coursework, or limiting participation to seniors do not align with DECA's foundational principles and objectives.